HC Deb 30 March 1908 vol 187 c101
CAPTAIN CRAIG (Down, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what decision was come to by the Commissioners of Education in Ireland at their meeting on the 24th instant regarding the flying of the Union Jack on national school buildings where a general desire by the manager, parents, and pupils to do so is expressed.

MR. BIRREL

The Commissioners determined to adhere to their former decision, namely, that they could not sanction the exhibition of flags of any kind in or upon national schools.

CAPTAIN CRAIG

Will the right hon. Gentleman and the Government make a special exception in the case of the Union Jack?

MR. BIRRELL

I think on a subject of this sort the opinion of the Commissioners of Education in Ireland as to what is likely best to promote loyalty and peace should not be departed from.